Laser printer diode?

[BatteryCharger]

I have a deceased laser printer in my garage that I have been taking apart just so I have more junk to store in a box. :shakehead I just came across the sticker warning me about laser radiation...I love it when I find something dangerous.

Anyway, I'm a total laser newbie. Does this laser have any value? Is it red, infrared, or something else? How many mW, roughly, should it be? It's out of a large, high speed HP office printer, if that makes any difference...

 

[SenKat]

You will find a 780nm IR diode in there about 40mw max.... The mirrors, and optics are of greater value - miniscus lens, etc can be harvested with ease...sometimes you hit the jackpot and get some really nice glass optics ! If you DO mess with that diode, I do highly recommend some protective eyewear prior to starting any work...

 

[BatteryCharger]

So I guess the next question would be...what kind of things can one do with a 40mw infrared laser? :thinking:

 

[Phenol]

...damage your eyes :duh2: .. procure faint smoke from black tape (if focused down to a tiny dot)..